Erasmus students in an Irish study abroad context: A longitudinal analysis of the use of 'well' and 'like'

Annarita Magliacane

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

While second language (L2) pragmatics research has predominantly investigated speech acts, little attention has been given to pragmatic markers (PMs) (Müller, 2005). Research demonstrates that PM use by learners is limited (Liao, 2009) and that their production is aided by native speaker (NS) contact (Sankoff et al., 1997). Thus, if study abroad (SA) provides a combination of instructed and naturalistic input / exposure, the analysis of PM development gives insights into the role of language exposure during SA. Against this background, this article investigates the use of PMs in L2 English during an Erasmus programme in Ireland. Data were collected using sociolinguistic interviews (Labov, 1984) and the PMs studied were ‘like’ and ‘well’. These PMs were tracked longitudinally to investigate differences in frequency and use. Findings were analysed quantitatively and compared with English NSs. Results point to an increase in frequency but also reveal constraints on the use of the PMs studied.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)89 - 117
Number of pages29
JournalStudy Abroad Research in Second Language Acquisition and International Education
Volume5
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 24 Feb 2020

Keywords

  • Irish English
  • L2 English
  • L2 pragmatic markers
  • Language exposure
  • Pragmatic development
  • Student mobility

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